Generation of radio frequency OAM radiation modes using circular time-switched and phased array antennas

A circular array antenna is used to generate radiation modes which correspond to the modes associated with Orbital Angular Momentum (OAM) theory. Initially the circular array is used to generate OAM radiation by configuring it as a conventional phased array system with appropriate phase excitation. The array is then configured to operate as a time-switched array (TSA). The OAM modes generated by the TSA are compared to those obtained from the phased array system. Results are presented to show that the TSA radiates simultaneous multiple OAM modes at the harmonic frequencies generated by time switching the array.